Kremlin aims to split Europe: Expert reveals real goal behind Russia's call for talks

Russia refuses to abandon its attempts to force capitulation terms onto Ukraine and the international community under the guise of a peaceful settlement. The latest remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding a return to the so-called "Istanbul Agreements" clearly show that the Kremlin has painted itself into a corner.

Political strategist Taras Zagorodny voiced this opinion live on Kyiv24.

According to the expert, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has effectively stripped himself of any room for diplomatic maneuvering through his public speeches in previous years.

"He pulled out these so-called Istanbul agreements—slashing the army to 80,000, the National Guard to 40,000, ensuring Ukraine has no heavy weaponry, and recognizing Crimea and Donbas. Naturally, that's what was relevant at the time. Their second position is that a ceasefire is only possible after Ukraine abandons four of its regions and renounces NATO. That’s it. Everything else is completely irrelevant to them. They will not budge a single millimeter from this stance," Zagorodny said.

How Russia is frantically hunting for a dialogue with the US

The analyst stresses that Moscow is not actually interested in achieving real peace; instead, its diplomatic maneuvering is aimed at solving completely different geopolitical objectives. The primary goal of the Russian leadership right now is to re-establish direct contacts with the United States at all costs, simply to demonstrate its relevance to China.

"They are frantically trying to force their way into any negotiations with the Americans. Any at all. They are ready to discuss Ukraine. They desperately need a dialogue with the Americans to keep it active, so they can slide their own agenda into it later. It's a show for China—proving that if the Americans are talking to us, we still carry some weight," the political strategist explained.

In parallel, Russia is playing an aggressive, subversive game on the European continent. Instead of constructive dialogue, representatives of the occupying regime plan to advance absurd demands and attempt to drive a wedge between Western allies.

"Look, they don't want negotiations. They will show up again, ramble about the Pechenegs, and continue demanding that the Europeans pull NATO troops back to the 1997 borders and force Sweden and Finland out of the alliance. They will demand the lifting of sanctions and a whole host of other things. They have absolutely no intention of negotiating anything. As long as Putin remains in power, they will keep repeating the exact same lines and they will keep fighting," Zagorodny summarized.

What to expect from Donald Trump

Despite pessimistic forecasts regarding the duration of the hostilities, the political strategist urges people not to panic over potential changes in the White House. The United States always assesses the situation pragmatically and respects nothing but strength. The moment Washington is fully convinced of the Ukrainian people's capacity to hold the line independently and deliver crushing blows to the enemy, American aid could arrive instantly, bypassing any bureaucratic red tape.

"The Americans will bet on the strong. I assure you. Suddenly, a massive amount of weapons will appear. Without all this bureaucracy and endless talk," Zagorodny concluded.